Marines build new outposts in Afghanistan - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Marines build new outposts in Afghanistan

Marines in Afghanistan’s Farah province have built three new combat outposts along a 27-mile stretch of Route 515, according to a Marine news release.

Thanks to 2nd Platoon, Motor Transportation Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, which made multiple runs throughout January up and down Route 515, members of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, are now operating out of outposts Barrow, Geiger and Puller.

The fortifications consist of concertina wire, a parapet several feet tall and dirt-filled protective barriers. Once the outer walls were built, tents were put in place, ground communications were established, and an inner defense of mortars was set. Inside, the COPs feature living quarters, “hygiene facilities” and combat operations centers, according to the release.

Upon arrival at each location, CLB-3 was given 48 hours to construct a security perimeter and build the COPs.

Route 515, a major east-west artery often littered with roadside bombs, hadn’t been traveled by U.S. forces since July, officials said in the release. Team Smasher, 3/8’s route clearance and heavy weapons element, was used during the construction as a buffer between CLB-3’s supply trucks and potential roadside bombs.

CLB-3 has since returned to Camp Barber in neighboring Helmand province.